September 2, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Today Marc Perrone, the International President of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union, the largest private sector union in the United States, released the following statement regarding Labor Day.

“Now is the time for every American to stop waiting for a political savior and take steps to save ourselves. It begins with us, the leaders and members of labor, and it depends upon our ability to reach workers who are tired of being left behind to struggle alone. To anyone who has doubts about whether or not a union can help, we have one request: Ask us.”

A report this week from the Economic Policy Institute found that lower union membership is costing nonunion private sector workers $133 billion annually in lost wages. The benefits of a union contract go beyond just wages. A union contract is often the only way to protect all workers from discrimination.

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UFCW is the largest private sector union in the United States, representing 1.3 million professionals and their families in grocery stores, meatpacking, food processing, retail shops and other industries. Our members help put food on our nation’s tables and serve customers in all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico.